//------------------------------// // Salad Dressing // Story: Plants are People Too // by hccpu //------------------------------// The time had finally dawned on Fay. There was little chance of escape. They stood at the threshold of carousel boutique and Twilight had knocked a little while ago allowing some time to the owner before presenting an echo once more. The passing of time was not kind to Fay's nerves, "I warned this visit would catch her napping, and to knock once more would risk her snapping; snapping being no way to start the day, let's leave post haste, lest her mood we decay." Twilight’s couldn't help but be in high spirits as another cloaked visitor who spoke in rhyme would not be subjected to the same misjudgments from Ponyville’s past mistake."Rarity wouldn't be mad over an early visit, no need to be so nervous" To so easily see through Fay's visage, bookkeepers truly live up to their image, "I can assure my nerves implore no more. You would imply I choose a sly deny? Is this not the normal style of speech, to grace the ears of one we will beseech?" To Spike though, it felt like an attempt to exclude him from the conversation, "Even if that was the case, she is inside still. Do you really need to start talking like that now?" Before Fay could provide an articulate retort the door was opened. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Had to make sure I looked my best when I saw you came with a guest." Now with a clear view inside, ties to the high class were implied, "I don't mean to doubt your sagacity, but work done by such a celebrity; I wish simply to not stand out too much, not to turn heads, I need a subtle touch. Should a rude fanatic ignore boundary, it is I who burden discovery. And so, with prejudice I must decline any that she might have chosen to design." Despite the claims put forth by Fay, they would not work, at least today. While speaking to say no to her, Fay spoke praise like a true good ser. "Who is you charming friend Twilight, whom I shall show a celebrity of my caliber, is capable of craft both big and small." Well a little preemptive ego stroking isn't a bad thing I suppose, Twilight introduced, "This is Fay, who is a little socially shy due to personal appearance. I was hoping you could help remedy that." These pony customs are quite forceful, I doubt they should ever feel remorseful. "Does my speech no longer produce a sound? Did I not just give a counter expound?" Spike had been in similar positions more than he would like, "Sorry Fay, your opinion no longer matters to them anymore." Twilight gave her official endorsement of her friend, "Rarity is the best seamstress in Ponyville and in the top tier of all Equestria, as well as my friend. I trust in her skill and her discretion. If you want to not worry about your looks anymore than Rarity here is the pony for you." There is nothing to be gained by retreat, Fay sighed and began a heartfelt entreat, "If the esteemed bookkeeper should say so, then who am I to go and rush a no. Just know that the result will be my route, for better or worse, if even cast out. Nomad as I need not try to retain, leaving here will not be done in disdain. I shall put faith in your work, Rarity, although it is vagabond charity." Twilight whispered to Rarity, "Long story short, Fay believes being seen is grounds for leaving. A librarian's time can't be wasted, apparently, so I need to convince Fay that we can talk as friends. Sorry to put this on you, with no warning." Rarity observed Fay’s unique frame before responding, "It's fine dear, it is not often one gets a foreign model to work with. You can count on me." "I am in your care seamstress.” Fay turned to address Twilight, “The process will likely be timely and your duty to society trumps any obligation you may feel is owed to me. You should return to your post." As if responding to a naggy mom, "Yes Fay," Twilight smiled as she left, "Glad you are feeling more at ease." Twilight lifted Spike and trotted back to Golden Oak. Spike grumbled, "Really? But we just got here.” After they were gone Rarity spoke up, "Let's get your measurements then." Fay asked the source question that cause the panic in the first place, "The measurements require me uncloaked?" It is always a shame when somepony thinks they are ugly. Nothing a good makeover can’t fix, "I lack a mannequin stand in that would work for you. If you are to have proper clothes I will need to be able to make measurements for them." After looking around at all the windows, "Is there some place more private for such an activity?" Rarity led them to her workshop where they continued, "Nopony will see you in here." Before making a bold move by uncloaking Fay reminded Rarity, "You are not to speak of what you saw." Upon receiving confirmation in the form of a pinkie promise Fay removed the cloak and stood both naked and nude. Rarity let out a loud gasp in surprise. Such natural beauty hidden under the unseemly cloak. She spoke under her breath, "Why would you hide yourself?" Although it wasn't exactly difficult to figure out why a plant would hide in a land of ponies. There were loud thuds marking the approach of another, Fay darted for the curtains where Rarity kept works to be presented, when a little one burst through the door, "Rarity, I can explain." Then seeing her sister alone. "What was that?" Just what Rarity needed, "What do you mean you can explain?" Noticing her sister had not yet found out Sweetie decided to seek counsel, "... That I will be going to see the cutie mark crusaders early today?" Priorities Rarity, there is a time and place for everything, "You are lucky now is not a good time. Go have fun, we will finish this conversation later." Once the little one was gone Fay reemerged cloaked once more. "The will of the RNG has been made clear. I must leave this place to mystery or suffer the consequences. It's been a pleasure Rarity, goodbye forever," and after a small bow Fay headed for the exit in the usual slow pace. Shortly after Fay left Rarity followed suit and made her way to Golden Oaks to deliver the bad news passing Fay one last time on the streets outside.